Hosting COVID‑Safe Events in 2021: Here’s What You Need to Know With the easing of lockdown measures and outdoor events beginning to return, many venue owners and event‑organisers are asking: how can we host safe, successful events in 2021? While the pandemic isn’t over, careful planning and the right equipment mean you can welcome guests with confidence. Here’s a practical guide to making your next event both appealing and COVID‑aware. Carry Out a COVID‑Specific Risk Assessment Before you do anything else, review your event from a fresh perspective. You’ll need to conduct a risk assessment that specifically considers COVID‑19 factors – ventilation, guest flow, sanitisation, handling queues and more. The event‑industry guidance stresses the importance of such assessments. It’s not just about opening doors again – it’s about ensuring guests feel safe and your team is prepared. Think about arrival areas, crowding, indoor vs outdoor zones and how you can make every touchpoint lower‑risk. Maximise Outdoor & Covered Space Outdoor venues generally pose lower risk of viral transmission than fully enclosed spaces. If your event includes indoor elements, consider expanding into shelter or tented outdoor zones. A branded or well‑structured shelter gives you more capacity and a perceived safer environment for your guests. Also, ensure any shelter used has good airflow, sidewalls that can be opened or removed, and covers for adverse weather so you’re not forced to shift people indoors. Install Sanitisation, Hygiene Zones & Clear Signage Hygiene has never been more visible. Provide hand‑sanitiser stations at entrances, exits, and high‑traffic zones. Ensure cleansing of high‑touch surfaces (tables, handles, queue barriers) is part of your pre‑ and post‑event routine. Signage should communicate your safety measures clearly – this builds guest confidence. Consider posters, floor markings, and friendly staff reminding visitors of distancing, sanitisation and safe movement. Manage Queues, Entry & Circulation Carefully Crowds gathering in one place are a risk. Plan entry points, stagger arrivals if necessary and control queue flows with barriers and signage. Outdoor shelters can help funnel and manage guests so you don’t end up with bottlenecks. Whether it’s at a pop‑up stand or larger event zone, movement matters. Prepare for Weather and Comfort While Staying Safe Because many activities will shift outdoors or into mixed indoor/outdoor zones, comfort is vital. Provide covered shelters for rain, sidewalls you can open for ventilation, and consider spacing of tables and seating to allow for distancing. A well‑designed gazebo becomes not just a cover but a comfort zone – making guests more relaxed and prolonging engagement. Final Thoughts 2021 presents new opportunities for events – but only if you do things differently. With a strong focus on hygiene, air flow, guest comfort and smart shelter use, you can deliver an event that looks great and feels safe. If you’d like help selecting the right pop-up gazebos, event‑branding materials or hygiene station setups, call the team at Surf & Turf Instant Shelters today on 01925 819608 or email info@surfturf.co.uk. Let us support your safe return to live events.